Roasted Jerk Chicken

Roasted Jerk Chicken – Prepared in the oven, our Roasted Jerk Chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This recipe is easy to follow and cooks in under an hour, but don’t let the simplicity fool you- this chicken is full of flavor!

WHAT IS JERK?

“Jerk” is often associated with a distinct flavor profile. And while certain spices are commonly included in Jamaican Jerk Seasoning, the term actually describes a method of cooking; “jerking” refers to a Jamaican culinary technique of cooking over an open flame. The jerk flavor we’ve come to know and love is attributed to a surprising ingredient, pimento wood. Pimento trees are native to Jamaica and the wood of choice when building a fire to cook. And wouldn’t you know it? Pimento trees produce allspice berries, one of the main ingredients in jerk seasoning. As the wood burns, natural oils release, producing smoke that infuses grilled meat with deep aromatics.

The result is smoky chicken with tender, juicy inside and crispy, flavorful outside. I attempt to achieve a similar effect by roasting the jerk chicken in the oven.

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

• Jerk Seasoning: I use a combination of spices to make homemade Jerk Seasoning, but you can go the store-bought route with Coleman’s. If you decide to make the homemade seasoning, it will last two months in a sealed mason jar. For this recipe, you will only need two to four tablespoons.
• Chicken: I use bone-in, skin-on leg quarters, legs, or thighs. You can also roast a whole chicken if you prefer; be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

HOW TO MAKE ROASTED JERK CHICKEN

The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.

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CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE ON THE GRILL?

Absolutely, in fact, it’s encouraged! If you can find pimento wood chips, that would take this recipe to the next level.
1. Preheat the grill by setting the burners on high for about 10 minutes.
2. Reduce the heat (set the burners to medium) and grill for 35 to 45 minutes turning occasionally until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F (73° C).

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Plantains, Grilled Pineapple
• Mashed Cauliflower, Roasted Vegetables, Grilled Zucchini, Sautéed Cabbage
• Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
• Rice and Peas, Rice Pilaf, Coconut Rice, Jamaican Rice and Peas
• Vinegar Coleslaw, Homemade Coleslaw with Mint and Cilantro
• Roasted Potatoes, Healthy Potato Salad, Sweet Potatoes, Southern Potato Salad
• Mango Salsa

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